When NASA turned Houston into 'Space City'

Updated 11:18 am, Monday, December 22, 2014

Photo: Chronicle

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Clear Lake in the Apollo era

The suburban Clear Lake area grew along with NASA's Manned Aircraft Center, later to be called Johnson Space Center. In this 1963 photo, Texas Gov. John Connally uses giant scissors to snip the ribbon on a new development project called Clear Lake City. Two years later, a Clear Lake City brochure boasted that 5,500 people were employed at the space center and pointed out that "employees are happier working in pleasant surroundings than on industrial row." Today nearly 17,000 people work for NASA or one of its contractors. less

Clear Lake in the Apollo era

The suburban Clear Lake area grew along with NASA's Manned Aircraft Center, later to be called Johnson Space Center. In this 1963 photo, Texas Gov. John Connally uses giant scissors ... more

Photo: Chronicle

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Friendswood Development Co. promoted Clear Lake City as the nation's most ambitious "totally planned urban community" when construction began in 1963. Owned by Humble Oil, Friendswood Development's mission was to build a master-planned community out of "surplus" land the oil company had been using for cattle and rice farming. less

Friendswood Development Co. promoted Clear Lake City as the nation's most ambitious "totally planned urban community" when construction began in 1963. Owned by Humble Oil, Friendswood Development's mission was ... more

Photo: Sam Pierson, Chronicle

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The first three neighborhoods to be built in Clear Lake City in 1963 were Camino South, Oakbrook and Clear Lake Forest. Nearby, residential construction was also going on in Nassau Bay and El Lago.

The first three neighborhoods to be built in Clear Lake City in 1963 were Camino South, Oakbrook and Clear Lake Forest. Nearby, residential construction was also going on in Nassau Bay and El Lago.

Photo: Sam Pierson, Chronicle

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By 1965, houses in Camino South started at $16,000; Oakbrook, $20,000; and Clear Lake Forest, $27,500.

By 1965, houses in Camino South started at $16,000; Oakbrook, $20,000; and Clear Lake Forest, $27,500.

Photo: Friendswood Development Corp.

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A 1965 brochure for Clear Lake City bragged of three shopping centers. A Piggly Wiggly grocery store once anchored El Camino South at El Camino Real and Bay Area Boulevard, a strip center that now contains Hancock Fabrics, Casa Ole and Mr. Gatti's. Only the El Camino Barber Shop remains from the '60s. less

A 1965 brochure for Clear Lake City bragged of three shopping centers. A Piggly Wiggly grocery store once anchored El Camino South at El Camino Real and Bay Area Boulevard, a strip center that now contains ... more

Photo: Friendswood Development Co.

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Before there were Jet Skis, there was water skiing. A 1965 brochure for Clear Lake City emphasizes that the area had already been "a center for boating, fishing, water skiing and other water sports for years."

Before there were Jet Skis, there was water skiing. A 1965 brochure for Clear Lake City emphasizes that the area had already been "a center for boating, fishing, water skiing and other water sports for years."

Photo: Friendswood Development Co.

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Nassau Bay was another residential area popular with employees of the Manned Space Center, shown in the upper left corner of the photo. The neighborhood in this photo from 1964 lacks the dense canopy of trees that now shade neighborhood streets. less

Nassau Bay was another residential area popular with employees of the Manned Space Center, shown in the upper left corner of the photo. The neighborhood in this photo from 1964 lacks the dense canopy of trees ... more

Photo: Chronicle

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An aerial view of the Manned Space Center in 1968 shows the Apollo-era space center. At the lower left is land where Space Center Houston is now. At right, follow NASA Road 1 up to the edge of Clear Lake and on toward El Lago, another popular place for astronauts to live. less

An aerial view of the Manned Space Center in 1968 shows the Apollo-era space center. At the lower left is land where Space Center Houston is now. At right, follow NASA Road 1 up to the edge of Clear Lake and on ... more

Photo: NASA

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Trees and fields dominate much of the landscape around the Manned Space Center in this 1968 photo.

Trees and fields dominate much of the landscape around the Manned Space Center in this 1968 photo.

Photo: NASA

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The moon hangs over Neil Armstrong's house in El Lago as he walks on the moon in July 1969.

The moon hangs over Neil Armstrong's house in El Lago as he walks on the moon in July 1969.

Photo: Curtis McGee, Chronicle

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Joan Aldrin, wife of Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, leaves Webster Presbyterian Church in 1969. Each year for the past 40 years, the church has commemorated the astronaut's communion service on the moon. Other astronauts who attended the church were John Glenn and Roger Chaffee. less

Joan Aldrin, wife of Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, leaves Webster Presbyterian Church in 1969. Each year for the past 40 years, the church has commemorated the astronaut's communion service on the moon. ... more

Photo: Ray Covey, Houston Post

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Carrying astronauts from Ellington Air Force Base to Johnson Space Center in 1969, NASA's Mobile Quarantine Facility prepares to turn left off of Highway 3 on to NASA Road 1. The quarantined Apollo 12 astronauts had just arrived at Ellington from Hawaii following splashdown. less

Carrying astronauts from Ellington Air Force Base to Johnson Space Center in 1969, NASA's Mobile Quarantine Facility prepares to turn left off of Highway 3 on to NASA Road 1. The quarantined Apollo 12 ... more

Photo: NASA

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In 1970, Ellington Airport was called Ellington Air Force Base. Then, as now, it was used by NASA for transporting personnel and equipment and for training astronauts.

In 1970, Ellington Airport was called Ellington Air Force Base. Then, as now, it was used by NASA for transporting personnel and equipment and for training astronauts.

Photo: Chester Rogers, Chronicle

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The Kemah-Seabrook bridge was a drawbridge from 1962 to 1986.

The Kemah-Seabrook bridge was a drawbridge from 1962 to 1986.

Photo: Chronicle

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PHOTOS: Early astronauts at home with wither families in Houston

American NASA astronaut Eugene Cernan crouches down to hug his daughter, Tracy. The pair were at a March 1969 barbecue at the Houston home of fellow astronaut Jim Young. less

PHOTOS: Early astronauts at home with wither families in Houston

American NASA astronaut Eugene Cernan crouches down to hug his daughter, Tracy. The pair were at a March 1969 barbecue at the Houston home of ... more

Photo: Ralph Morse, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

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Astronaut Gordon Cooper sits with his wife Trudy and daughters Jan and Cam, before dinner on patio at home.

Astronaut Gordon Cooper sits with his wife Trudy and daughters Jan and Cam, before dinner on patio at home.

Photo: Ralph Morse, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

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Astronaut, Walter M. Schirra swims at home with his children.

Astronaut, Walter M. Schirra swims at home with his children.

Photo: Leonard McCombe, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

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American astronaut Neil Armstrong lights a cigar, in Houston in 1969.

American astronaut Neil Armstrong lights a cigar, in Houston in 1969.

Photo: Ralph Morse, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

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American astronaut Eugene Cernan (in blue), Thomas Stafford (center, shirtless), and John Young (right) clown about with their families during a barbecue outside Young's home in Houston in 1969. The three men were the back-up crew for the Apollo 7 mission. less

American astronaut Eugene Cernan (in blue), Thomas Stafford (center, shirtless), and John Young (right) clown about with their families during a barbecue outside Young's home in Houston in 1969. The three men ... more

Photo: Ralph Morse, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

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Astronaut Leroy G. Cooper and his wife Trudy take a spin in their private airplane.

Astronaut Leroy G. Cooper and his wife Trudy take a spin in their private airplane.

Photo: Ralph Morse, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

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American astronauts, from left, Thomas Stafford, John Young, and Eugene Cernan share a laugh during a barbecue outside Young's home in Houston in 1969. The three men were the back-up crew for the Apollo 7 mission. less

American astronauts, from left, Thomas Stafford, John Young, and Eugene Cernan share a laugh during a barbecue outside Young's home in Houston in 1969. The three men were the back-up crew for the Apollo 7 ... more

Photo: Ralph Morse, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

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American astronaut Eugene Cernan and his wife, Barbara, relax beside a swimming pool during a barbecue at fellow astronaut John Young's home in Houston in 1968.

American astronaut Eugene Cernan and his wife, Barbara, relax beside a swimming pool during a barbecue at fellow astronaut John Young's home in Houston in 1968.

Astronaut James A. Lovell is pictured with his with wife and newborn son in the hospital.

Astronaut James A. Lovell is pictured with his with wife and newborn son in the hospital.

Photo: Donald Uhrbrock, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

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Astronauts James A. Lovell, Jr. (third from left) and Frank Borman greet their families upon arriving after their space flight.

Astronauts James A. Lovell, Jr. (third from left) and Frank Borman greet their families upon arriving after their space flight.

Photo: Donald Uhrbrock, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

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Marilyn Lovell sits with her husband, astronaut Jim Lovell, at the kitchen counter of their home in Houston, November 1965.

Marilyn Lovell sits with her husband, astronaut Jim Lovell, at the kitchen counter of their home in Houston, November 1965.

Photo: Ralph Morse, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

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American astronaut Jim Lovell sits on a couch in his home with his son James III (Jay) and pregnant wife Marilyn in Houston, November 1965.

American astronaut Jim Lovell sits on a couch in his home with his son James III (Jay) and pregnant wife Marilyn in Houston, November 1965.

Photo: Ralph Morse, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

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American astronaut Jim Lovell eats a turkey dinner with his family in Houston, November 1965. Clockwise from left, Lovell, daughters Susan and Barbara, wife Marilyn, and son James (Jay).

American astronaut Jim Lovell eats a turkey dinner with his family in Houston, November 1965. Clockwise from left, Lovell, daughters Susan and Barbara, wife Marilyn, and son James (Jay).

Photo: Ralph Morse, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

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The family of Gemini 7 (Gemini VII) astronaut Jim Lovell sit in a bedroom in Houston and talk on the day of the mission's 1965 launch. From left, eldest daughter Barbara lies on the bed, younger daughter Susan sits in the foreground, son James (Jay), and pregnant mother Marilyn Lovell. less

The family of Gemini 7 (Gemini VII) astronaut Jim Lovell sit in a bedroom in Houston and talk on the day of the mission's 1965 launch. From left, eldest daughter Barbara lies on the bed, younger daughter Susan ... more

Astronaut Neil Armstrong plays with his 10-year old son Mark at home in 1969.

Astronaut Neil Armstrong plays with his 10-year old son Mark at home in 1969.

Photo: Ralph Morse, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

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American astronaut Michael Collins plays catch with his dog in the driveway of his Houston home in 1969.

American astronaut Michael Collins plays catch with his dog in the driveway of his Houston home in 1969.

Photo: Ralph Morse, Time & Life Pictures

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American astronaut Michael Collins and his daughter Ann wash and dry dishes in the kitchen of their Houston home in 1969.

American astronaut Michael Collins and his daughter Ann wash and dry dishes in the kitchen of their Houston home in 1969.

Photo: Ralph Morse, Time & Life Pictures

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American astronaut Michael Collins and his daughter Ann wash and dry dishes in the kitchen of their Houston home in March 1969.

American astronaut Michael Collins and his daughter Ann wash and dry dishes in the kitchen of their Houston home in March 1969.

Photo: Ralph Morse, Time & Life Pictures

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American astronaut Michael Collins and his wife Pat eat breakfast and read the newspaper together, March 1969 in Houston.

American astronaut Michael Collins and his wife Pat eat breakfast and read the newspaper together, March 1969 in Houston.

Photo: Ralph Morse, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

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Joan Aldrin, wife of Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, smiles as she reads a newspaper report on the moon landing.

Joan Aldrin, wife of Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, smiles as she reads a newspaper report on the moon landing.

Photo: Ralph Morse, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

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American astronaut Michael Collins and his wife Pat are pictured at a beach near Houston, March 1969.

American astronaut Michael Collins and his wife Pat are pictured at a beach near Houston, March 1969.

Photo: Ralph Morse, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

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American astronaut Michael Collins plays in the surf with his son Michael Jr. at a beach near Houston, March 1969.

American astronaut Michael Collins plays in the surf with his son Michael Jr. at a beach near Houston, March 1969.

Photo: Ralph Morse, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

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Americn astronaut Michael Collins (right) and his wife Pat bicycle with their children, from left, Kate, Michael Jr., and Ann in Houston, March 1969.

Americn astronaut Michael Collins (right) and his wife Pat bicycle with their children, from left, Kate, Michael Jr., and Ann in Houston, March 1969.

Photo: Ralph Morse, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

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American astronaut Michael Collins and his daughter Kate paint on canvasses in a well-lit room in their home in Houston, March 1969.

American astronaut Michael Collins and his daughter Kate paint on canvasses in a well-lit room in their home in Houston, March 1969.

Photo: Ralph Morse, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

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American astronaut Neil Armstrong watches as his wife Jan plays with the couple's 10-year-old son Mark in the living room of their Houston home, March 1969.

American astronaut Neil Armstrong watches as his wife Jan plays with the couple's 10-year-old son Mark in the living room of their Houston home, March 1969.

Photo: Ralph Morse, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

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American astronaut Neil Armstrong, in an apron and hat labelled 'Chef' smiles as he uses oven mitts to up hold up a pair of pizzas in his Houston kitchen, March 1969.

American astronaut Neil Armstrong, in an apron and hat labelled 'Chef' smiles as he uses oven mitts to up hold up a pair of pizzas in his Houston kitchen, March 1969.

Photo: Ralph Morse, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

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American astronaut Neil Armstrong (left) poses in a Houston swimming pool with his wife Jan and their two sons, Ricky (front left with diving equipment) and Mark, March 1969.

American astronaut Neil Armstrong (left) poses in a Houston swimming pool with his wife Jan and their two sons, Ricky (front left with diving equipment) and Mark, March 1969.

Photo: Ralph Morse, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

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American astronaut Neil Armstrong pitches a baseball to his son Ricky outside their Houston home, March 1969.

American astronaut Neil Armstrong pitches a baseball to his son Ricky outside their Houston home, March 1969.

Photo: Ralph Morse, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

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American astronaut Eugene Cernan takes a phone call from a Houston swimming pool in which he has been scuba diving, March 1969. On the right is his daughter Teresa.

American astronaut Eugene Cernan takes a phone call from a Houston swimming pool in which he has been scuba diving, March 1969. On the right is his daughter Teresa.

Photo: Ralph Morse, Time Life Pictures/Getty Images

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When NASA turned Houston into 'Space City'

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Half a century ago, when Congressman Albert Thomas used his congressional power to ensure that NASA's manned flight center came to Houston, "Space City" was born.

Now, from the Astros and the Rockets to the iconic phrase, "Houston, we have a problem," the Bayou City's identity is deeply entwined with America's space program.

However, between NASA's budget woes and shifting targets, Houston truly does have a problem, and the man with the best chance to fix it may be another congressman, Tea Party Republican John Culberson.

As a child, Culberson, who grew up near Rice Stadium, wanted to be an astronaut. And that childhood passion has had a major impact on his vision for NASA, which is especially important now that he controls the agency's budget in Congress.

Read more about Culberson's vision for NASA and Houston's future as "Space City" in the final installment of Eric Berger's "Adrift" series on HoustonChronicle.com.

See more images of Houston in the years leading up to and during the Apollo program in the slideshow above.